Current Research

WILLIAM H. CONNER, Ph.D.
Ecology and Management of Forested Wetland Ecosystems of the Southern United States
Forested wetlands have been an influential component of the economy and culture of the southern United States since the earliest settlements. These ecosystems have been used for transportation, food and fiber, flood control, wildlife habitat, recreation, and all too often, a fertile site for conversion to agriculture. The importance of wetlands to the southern economy and concern over their decreasing extent has lead to a surge of research activity as well as litigation and discord over competing wetland uses. Hydrology is one of the most important driving forces in forested wetlands, and the length, depth, and timing of flooding determines the diversity and productivity of these systems. Changes in normal hydrology patterns due to stream channelization or construction of roads, canals, levees, or dams affect the establishment and growth of forest species. Another aspect of hydrology that needs consideration, especially in coastal areas, is eustatic sea level rise and subsidence. The long-term impacts of disturbance is a major area of research in Dr. Conner’s program. Only long-term research can consider both the short- and long-term fluctuations of key driving forces. In addition, Dr. Conner is examining processes across the entire southern United States to determine if all wetlands function similarly. 
(Link to Dr. Conner's Research & Projects page)

DAN HITCHCOCK, Ph.D., P.E.
Coastal Development and Nonpoint Source Pollution in South Carolina: A Systems Approach to Managing Water Resources
The assessment of potential water quality and quantity impacts in coastal areas due to existing and future land use change is being explored, specifically related to the conversion of forests to urbanized areas. Dr. Hitchcock's research focuses on linking land use and water resource management practices to water quantity and quality impacts. Investigations are occurring at three levels of scale for land use practices and water resources management in coastal South Carolina: (1) the individual stormwater management practice (BMP), (2) the development tract, and (3) the watershed scale. The overarching proposed research questions are as follows:

• How effective are certain practices for water resource management and water quality improvement between upland area land uses (e.g., residential and commercial development, golf courses, etc.) and downstream water resources (e.g., creeks, ponds, rivers, lakes, estuaries) in the South Carolina lower coastal plain areas with shallow water tables?

• Can a watershed monitoring and modeling approach be used to determine effectiveness and water quality improvement based on pre- and post-development in a coastal watershed?

The proposed research program will increase the knowledge base in understanding the impact of land uses and coastal water resource management on water quantity and quality. 
(Link to Dr. Hitchcock's Research & Projects page)

ANAND JAYAKARAN, Ph.D. 
Bannockburn Intelligent River™ Project, Crabtree Canal Restoration Initiative, and Pee Dee Minimum Instream Flows Project
(Link to Dr. Jayakaran's Research & Projects page)

JACK WHETSTONE
Invasive Species Management, Aquaculture, and Pond Management
(Link to Jack Whetstone's Research & Projects page)

Page maintained by: Dawn White, dawnw@clemson.edu